6 Microneedling Aftercare Tips
Many folks are interested in microneedling procedures because they can temporarily help with a myriad of skin problems, from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation, without surgery. Though there’s not much recovery time, there are about three days following the procedure where your skin may look and feel red, itchy, and inflamed. For optimal comfort following a micro-needling procedure, follow these six aftercare tips.
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and will vary from patient to patient. Furthermore, microneedling may or may not be the appropriate treatment for you depending on a variety of factors including your medical history. Always consult with an experienced dermatologist for well-informed treatment and aftercare recommendations. They can prescribe a suitable plan based on your health and background.
Wear Sunscreen
During this time, it’s especially important to protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays. If you don’t already have some, invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen and put it on 20 minutes before you leave the house. You can also use mineral-based sunscreen if you happen to have it on hand. It’s only necessary to do this for a week. Sunscreen can help prevent skin cancers caused by harmful rays and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. Therefore, now is a good time to consider adding it to your regular beauty routine and make it a lifelong habit.
Use Prescribed Antibiotic Creams
This should go without saying, but if your doctor prescribes a topical antibiotic cream for your face, use it! It will help prevent you from developing an infection. Your doctor may also recommend a hyaluronic serum, which will keep your skin hydrated and prevent excess flaking and peeling. Clean your hands before you apply the product, and the same goes for any tools you plan to use to apply it.
Frequent, Thorough Handwashing
According to a review of almost 9000 research papers conducted in 2020 by epidemiologists at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, it was estimated that people touch their T-Zone 69 times per hour and other parts of their head 50 times per hour. It’s important to frequently wash your hands because when you touch things in your vicinity, bacteria and germs transfer onto them. If you touch your face unconsciously, you’re introducing harmful bacteria to vulnerable skin.
Drink Fluids
Don’t let yourself get dehydrated. The average person should be drinking six to eight cups of water a day, so always ensure you’re getting enough. Water is not only important for maintaining one’s health but will also aid in collagen creation. Experiment for a week and try to avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol. To maintain hydration, consume foods that have water in them as well, such as melon and cucumber.
Don’t Wear Makeup
After a microneedling treatment, your skin is in the process of renewing itself, so it needs to be allowed to breathe. Makeup not only blocks your skin but can lead to clogged pores if you’re using old products or applying it with a brush that has leftover powders on it. Old makeup can introduce unwanted bacteria to your skin. It also expires over time, especially after it has been opened. Powders left on brushes lose their active ingredients as the molecules break down, and that can irritate your skin. You’re more likely to react to allergens and develop dermatitis from powders, or conjunctivitis from an expired eyeliner or mascara.
Gentle Cleansing
Refrain from using scrubs that will irritate your skin. Also, avoid products containing active ingredients including alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, Vitamin C scrubs, and retinol creams. Don’t follow your normal routine, either; instead, use a cleanser with a moisturizer built in. Moisturizing your face during this time will help soothe it.
If you’re thinking about having a microneedling procedure done for the first time, get in touch with us at Dermaworks. We can tell you what to expect and how to prepare. Our physician, Dr. Demetra Vassiliou, has over 13 years of experience in cosmetic medicine and can help determine whether microneedling is the right skincare treatment option for you.
